Dorset 2015

Once again my wife and I spent a week on the south coast of Dorset. We stopped in a static caravan near Swanage and spent our time exploring our favourite spots at Studland and Durlston. One or two amazing sights were the large numbers of Swallows and House Martins on several days. Numbers in excess of several hundred of these hirundines congregated off the cliffs at Durlston Country Park. Also here were Adonis Blue and at least 8 other species of butterfly, Autumn Ladies Tresses, the last of the orchids, and small numbers of common migrants, including Wheatear, Willow warbler, Chiffchaff, Whitethroat and Blackcap. Several Ravens and a Peregrine were patrolling the cliffs. At Studland Bay I counted well over 70 Mediterranean Gull one afternoon and Sandwich Tern and Common Tern were fishing off shore and in the Sandbanks Channel. A Common Lizard here and another at Durlston, basking in the warm autumn sunshine. I spent a day on Brownsea Island and had the large flock of 23 Spoonbill, that have been present on and off throughout the summer, numerous Little Egret and large flocks of Avocet and Black-tailed Godwit. Small numbers of Spotted Redshank, Greenshank, Dunlin, Redshank and Ringed Plover. I noticed good numbers of Red Squirrel on Brownsea, with several being very obliging including a female that was very showy. Unfortunately time was in short supply on this holiday, so I missed out on a few hot spots, which would have undoubtedly produced a few good birds, butterflies and plants. Always next year though.